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...that simple! Yet this passage helps us understand that even decent parents who try to be good disciplinarians sometimes have stubborn and rebellious children. Why? Because you aren't the only influence in your child's life.As parents, we must help our children establish their relationship with God so they know what it means to be a child of God. Once they go off to school, you can't go with them, but God can and does. If we don't help them establish their identity in Christ, they will establish their identity in the world. If we don't give them an eternal purpose and meaning in life, they ... (more)

...and I even came home with spasms in my chest, once again I asked "WHY ME?" Upon contemplation over the years, I have come to the conclusion that the "Why me" of that situation could be answered with a "Because of your stupidity and rebellion." I admit it. There was no just cause to accuse God of causing me pain.Job, on the other hand, had just cause. He was nearly perfect. He was doing his best to live the way God wanted him to live.He kept all the holy days. He paid his tithes. He was honest. He even sacrificed on behalf of his children in case they committed some grievous sin! What ... (more)

"But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all" Matthew 12:15If anyone could have boasted, it would be Jesus. He was the Son of God. He was a miracle worker. He could produce gold out of the mouth of a fish. He could raise the dead. It seems that there was nothing that He couldn't do. And all of this is true. Still, when it came to a point when He could boast, He told everyone to keep His story a secret.He could have aroused the crowds into a rebellious frenzy. He could have commanded a legion of angels to prepare the way. If a follower... (more)

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah" Psalm 46:1-3We have all found ourselves in need of refuge and shelter. It may be a refuge from the heat, or rain, or cold, or lightning, or wind, or snow. We may need shelter from the storms of life or the oppression of the spiritual world. Whatever the problem, we often seek help in the form of some type of refuge.God... (more)

...is saying here.Let's look for a moment at the word "mourn." In the Greek it means to grieve a loss. This may be the loss of a loved one, but it may be other losses as well: loss of health, loss of security, loss of a relationship, loss of a dream, loss of a job, etc. Too often when a Child of God mentions a loss to another Christian she is met with rebuke for her lack of faith or told she is "having a pity party." It's doubtful she was having a pity party. To have a party you need guests and, usually, there is no one around to show pity on the Christian in sorrow.Sometimes the person is... (more)

...of disrespect and ungratefulness. Stories abound to the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have encouraged, challenged and comforted with words that made a difference in their life.Jesus knew the power of words. He used parables to convey his principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today? Affirm someone close to you... (more)

...have to first fight a few giants." That is so true, but so rarely do we realize the truth of that statement. As Christians, too often, we want to have victory without a battle, we want to attain the heights of Zion, without a climb, we want resurrection power without a crucifixion.No blessing of God comes without a struggle. And, in our heart of hearts, would we want it any other way? It is also said "things easily gained are lightly held." Think about your most prized accomplishments. Were they the ones you achieved easily. Or were they accomplishments which came through great struggle?... (more)

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8David writes this psalm for the spiritually immature, who need to be instructed in the ways of God. One thing David thinks we need to know is how to live in a way that brings the blessing of God. How do we face the hard times? When we hurt, we want to know: Have we done something wrong? Has God deserted us? What do we need to do to receive God's help? These are good questions. If we pay attention to David, we will get some answers.The word "taste" here means properly to try the flavor of anything, to... (more)

"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" Phil 4:9Little girls like to dress up in mommy's clothes. Shoes and hats have a special attraction. Any of us who have had daughters know this to be true.Little boys do the same. They want to be like daddy in every way. Daddy is their hero, there is none like him. I have to admit. I tried on my Step Dad's shoes when I was little. Now my big toe would hardly fit in those shoes! I learned a lot from my Step Dad. Some of them good. I sometimes have to fight off some... (more)

"I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel." Isaiah 45:3"I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. It was that day when I confessed those words that God led me to this passage... (more)